Studio Ghibli to take momentary break from production

After rumours speculating that Studio Ghibli could be shutting up for good, an interview with co-founder and general manager Toshio Suzuki on the television programme Jonetsu Tairikuhas has confirmed that the studio is to take a break from production.

Suzuki noted that the studio would be undergoing changes following Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement. The changes were described as restructuring the studio for the next generation and that such a change may involve the removal of the production department.

Suzuki added that, “It is by no means impossible to keep producing [movies] forever. However, we will take a brief pause to consider where to go from here.” However, at this point, who is to say how long this “brief pause” could last.

Ghibli’s latest film, When Marnie Was There opened in Japan on 19 July and has so far earned ¥1.06 billion ($10.4 million) at the Japanese box office. The studio are currently working on the animated TV series Ronia the Robber’s Daughter, a co-production with Poloygon Pictures to be directed by Goro Miyazaki.